Exercise = headache?

When I do any type of exercise over light activity (if I run, for example, or do aerobics) I get a headache. It comes on within 10 minutes of beginning the exercise and doesn't go away for some time after. I am of normal weight, eat 1300 - 1500 calories a day and am otherwise healthy. Any ideas for prevention?

Are you drinking enough water? Sometimes we drink water during and after exercise, but forget to drink enough before to power us through.

That's the only thing I can think of offhand.

your dehydrated, 10 minutes in is when you should start sweating too... not enough water in your blood...

Dehydration is the most likely culprit but there is another pretty prevalent reason, migraines.  If you experience migraines already many times exercise will induce them. 

I drank a ton of water all day and throughout my workouts but still got headaches.  A migraine specialist that I was going to let me know of some options to alleviate the headaches in general, but any medication or food changes would have to be made specifically for your needs.

I still drink lots of water though!!!  It does help prevent.

Thank you all!  Thinking about it, dehydration is most likely.  I really don't drink very much specifically before exercising.  I will give it a whirl, and hopefully it will help.  I'm lucky that I don't normally get migraines, so here's hoping that isn't the issue :)

 

-rueyn. 

Working out releases a lot of different chemicals in your body so it could be anything but that does sound like it could be dehydration.  If it keeps up go see your doctor and he might be able to help pinpoint exactly what is going on.

That used to happen to me a few years ago when I first started working out again.  It feels like blood rushing to your head and throbbing right?  I think yu just need to slowly ease into a routine and it will stop happenind.  Just make sure you're not overdoing it.

Yeah headaches from workouts are often from dehydration.  If you are not properly hydrated BEFORE you begin working out, it will not take you long to start experiencing the symptoms of severe dehydration, ie headaches.  Not sure when you are working out, but I know that when I play competitive soccer late at night I drink gatorade otherwise I wake up in the  night with a brutal headache.  I'm not normally a "fan" of gatorade because I think it is loaded with sugar but... I usually water mine down and it definitely does what it is supposed to do.

Dawn

What occurs in my mind is increased blood pressure. It is normal for blood pressure to increase some with exercise, but if it's too much you can get headaches like you described until it comes down. You might need to give your body more time to adjust to exercise. And I also suggest going to a family practice physician and having them do some repeat blood pressures, maybe once a week for awhile to determine your average.

Sometimes I feel nauseous during a workout because I'm hungry. I usually eat a banana or yogurt 30-60 mins beforehand. It helps... it might work for your headache!

I'd also be aware of your breathing. I get headaches like that when I'm not breathing regularly.....

 

 Google for "exertion headache". It happened to me this year after I started heavy weight training.

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/exer cise-induced-headache.html

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/ stories/s233.htm ;

It could be dehydration, or it could be a blood sugar crash. 1300-1500 calories is not very much at all, and if you exercise regularly, you should probably eat more than that.

Something light before your workouts might stop the headaches altogether.

Personally, I find that a HUGE exertion can leave me with a migraine (HUGE == 5 hours or more on the bike), but I also find that mild to moderate exertion can temporarily ease the pain (endorphins are wonderful things).

I tried your suggestions and noticed a few things:

 

1. Drinking plenty of water beforehand DID help, but it didn't stop the headache from coming completely.

2. Having a banana AFTER the workout helped nearly instantly.

3. I have low-ish blood pressure (averaging 92/58), so the increased blood flow that comes with exertion might account for the headaches, as well.

Thanks to everyone! You are all pretty awesome :)